Your Deceptive Mind: A Scientific Guide to Critical Thinking Skills

No skill is more important in today's world than being able to think about, understand, and act on information in an effective and responsible way. What's more, at no point in human history have we had access to so much information, with such relative ease, as we do in the 21st century. But because misinformation out there has increased as well, critical thinking is more important than ever. These 24 rewarding lectures equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to become a savvier, sharper critical thinker in your professional and personal life.

How You Decide: The Science of Human Decision Making

In How You Decide: The Science of Human Decision Making, Professor Ryan Hamilton, associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, uses research revealed via the scientific method to understand and explain human decision making. While his easygoing manner and anecdotes about surprising and bizarre choices will keep you enthralled, Professor Hamilton also shares what decision science has revealed through empirically tested theories.

The Passions: Philosophy and the Intelligence of Emotions

Conventional wisdom suggests there is a sharp distinction between emotion and reason. Emotions are seen as inferior, disruptive, primitive, and even bestial forces. These 24 remarkable lectures suggest otherwise-that emotions have intelligence and provide personal strategies that are vitally important to our everyday lives of perceiving, evaluating, appraising, understanding, and acting in the world.

Outsmart Yourself: Brain-Based Strategies to a Better You

The brain is an astounding organ, and today neuroscientists have more insights than ever about how it works - as well as strategies for helping us live better every day. These 24 practical lectures give you a wealth of useful strategies for improving your well-being. By presenting evidence-based "hacks" for your brain, Professor Vishton empowers you to take charge of your life and perform better all around.

The Great Ideas of Philosophy, 2nd Edition

Grasp the important ideas that have served as the backbone of philosophy across the ages with this extraordinary 60-lecture series. This is your opportunity to explore the enormous range of philosophical perspectives and ponder the most important and enduring of human questions-without spending your life poring over dense philosophical texts.

Food: A Cultural Culinary History

Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."

No Excuses: Existentialism and the Meaning of Life

What is life? What is my place in it? What choices do these questions obligate me to make? More than a half-century after it burst upon the intellectual scene - with roots that extend to the mid-19th century - Existentialism's quest to answer these most fundamental questions of individual responsibility, morality, and personal freedom, life has continued to exert a profound attraction.

The Aging Brain

We're all getting older every day, and scientific research has shown that starting in our 20s, some brain functions begin a linear decline. But is old age all doom and gloom? Not at all! While it's true that some functions in the aging brain decline, neuroscientists have discovered that many other brain functions remain stable - or even improve - as we age.

Being Human: Life Lessons from the Frontiers of Science

Understanding our humanity - the essence of who we are - is one of the deepest mysteries and biggest challenges in modern science. Why do we have bad moods? Why are we capable of having such strange dreams? How can metaphors in our language hold such sway on our actions? As we learn more about the mechanisms of human behavior through evolutionary biology, neuroscience, anthropology, and other related fields, we're discovering just how intriguing the human species is.

An Economic History of the World since 1400

Most of us have a limited understanding of the powerful role economics has played in shaping human civilization. This makes economic history - the study of how civilizations structured their environments to provide food, shelter, and material goods - a vital lens through which to think about how we arrived at our present, globalized moment. Designed to fill a long-empty gap in how we think about modern history, these 48 lectures are a comprehensive journey through more than 600 years of economic history.

English Grammar Boot Camp

Grammar! For many of us, the word triggers memories of finger-wagging schoolteachers, and of wrestling with the ambiguous and complicated rules of using formal language. But what is grammar? In fact, it's the integral basis of how we speak and write. As such, a refined awareness of grammar opens a world of possibilities for both your pleasure in the English language and your skill in using it, in both speech and the written word.

The Story of Human Language

Language defines us as a species, placing humans head and shoulders above even the most proficient animal communicators. But it also beguiles us with its endless mysteries, allowing us to ponder why different languages emerged, why there isn't simply a single language, how languages change over time and whether that's good or bad, and how languages die out and become extinct.

Thinking Like an Economist: A Guide to Rational Decision Making

Economic forces are everywhere around you. But that doesn't mean you need to passively accept whatever outcome those forces might press upon you. Instead, with these 12 fast-moving and crystal clear lectures, you can learn how to use a small handful of basic nuts-and-bolts principles to turn those same forces to your own advantage.

Becoming a Great Essayist

If you have a clever anecdote, an interesting memory, a new way to explain how something works, or an opinion on a social or political issue, then you have an essay in you. Unlike a novel, history book, or scientific publication, essays provide you with the versatility to express all the various facets that make you you. The concise and direct nature of an essay means that you may tap in to your sense of wit, share your individual point of view, persuade others to your perspective, and record a part of your memories for future generations in as many distinct essay forms as you wish.

Elements of Jazz: From Cakewalks to Fusion

Jazz is a uniquely American art form, one of America's great contributions to not only musical culture, but world culture, with each generation of musicians applying new levels of creativity that take the music in unexpected directions that defy definition, category, and stagnation. Now you can learn the basics and history of this intoxicating genre in an eight-lecture series that is as free-flowing and original as the art form itself.

Understanding Nonverbal Communication

In Understanding Nonverbal Communication, you'll discover that nonverbal communication is less intentional and harder to control than the words you choose to speak. Because you are less aware of it than you are of your words, it provides better clues to what you are feeling and thinking.

Algorithms to Live By: The Computer Science of Human Decisions

All our lives are constrained by limited space and time, limits that give rise to a particular set of problems. What should we do, or leave undone, in a day or a lifetime? How much messiness should we accept? What balance of new activities and familiar favorites is the most fulfilling? These may seem like uniquely human quandaries, but they are not: computers, too, face the same constraints, so computer scientists have been grappling with their version of such problems for decades.

A Day's Read

Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish - and engage with - in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.

Publisher's Summary

Every day of your life is spent surrounded by mysteries that involve what appear to be rather ordinary human behaviors. What makes you happy? Where did your personality come from? Why do you have trouble controlling certain behaviors? Why do you behave differently as an adult than you did as an adolescent?

Since the start of recorded history, and probably even before, people have been interested in answering questions about why we behave the way we do. And many fields - including philosophy, psychology, and even theology - are focused on finding explanations. But it's only in recent decades that researchers can finally approach, understand, and solve the mysteries of emotion, thought, and behavior - solutions that help each of us to better know ourselves and the people around us. The result is not only a more solid understanding of what it means to be human, but a stronger foundation from which to live more effectively with others and to grasp their intricate behaviors and quirks.

Now you can gain those benefits through a series of 24 intriguing lectures from an award-winning teacher. Professor Leary takes you on a fascinating journey into the complex heart of who you are, using the latest theories, case studies, experiments, and stories to cast light on a wide variety of human behaviors, both ordinary and puzzling.

Throughout these lectures, you'll learn about the various interacting forces that influence your behavior. These include your genetic blueprint, your personal experiences, your upbringing, and the people and social groups that surround you.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

What made the experience of listening to Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior the most enjoyable?

What I liked most was the way he explained topics. It helped me to have new insights. He shared some great insights on some commonly held beliefs about how people find happiness. His analysis of how we behave in society, communicate and see ourselves was very interesting. He debunks some widely held ideas with strong, logical argument. It's interesting to see how often popular ideas on self-help are close, but not quite right. For example, the popular belief that if we can just instill in a person more self esteem, they will act and think in a more positive way. He points out that it's an individuals positive actions, that are socially valued, constructive and helpful to others, that create the persons self esteem, not creating more self esteem in the person creating more positive behavior. I love the insights I am getting from the lectures. Worth the purchase price to me.

What did you like best about this story?

The descriptions were interesting and I had many "I see!" moments.

What about Professor Mark Leary’s performance did you like?

Interested in what he is talking about makes him interesting to listen to for the audience.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Couple "I can relate" laughs. :-)

Any additional comments?

A really good combination of recreational, enjoyed listening and informational, I learned new things I can apply in life.

Would you listen to Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior again? Why?

I plan to listen to this book a number of times. The amount of insight and knowledge that I've gain from this is astounding.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior?

The lectures are put together so that topics being presented in a chapter, build on the chapter before. A very good and clear way to communicate what is being said so that it is understood perfectly.

Any additional comments?

This book brought an incredible amount of insight on why we do what we do and why we do it the way we do it. I've been looking for a book like this for a long time and I think Prof Leary has put together something incredible in this audiobook. I hope to read more of his books in the future.

Where does Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For understanding human behavior, it is at the top of the list, a must have for anyone interested in why people behave and feel the way they do and the purposes those behaviors and feelings are trying to serve that compels us to do them.

Any additional comments?

I'll keep this simple, this is a MUST have book on human behavior and psychology, the most clear and intuitive explanations I have heard from any teacher. Not only that but he achieves a perfect balance of keeping it simple and easy to understand with giving the evidence and proofs for why those things are thought to be correct. This is a book I will listen to more than once.

What did you love best about Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior?

The most valuable elements are the frequent references to modern research and studies whose conclusions often times contradict our deepest intuitions. Disabusing ourselves of these misleading intuitions helps us to more clearly see the reality of what it's like to be us. This lecture series points out human tendencies that even the most introspective may miss. The mind is a machine, and knowing better how that machine operates is something everyone can benefit from.

What about Professor Mark Leary’s performance did you like?

Well-timed pauses, emphasis, pace, and cadence.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No, it was just interesting and contained useful information.

Any additional comments?

This being an audio product, I feel it must be said that the professor's inconsistent lisp can be distracting. For instance, it's not uncommon for the following sentence to be spoken like so: "One perthon who experiences stress may react differently than another person exthperiencing the same sthtress." Some S's trip the professor up, others don't. I would have preferred a consistent lisp to an inconsistent one, due to how it pulled my attention away from the interesting things he was saying. Also, schadenfreude is pronounced "shod-en-froy-duh," not "shod-en-froid." For most, this would be nit-picking, but others may find themselves being distracted more by such things. Regardless, this is a worthwhile listen, which is why I gave it 5-stars overall.

I expected more from this book! I was aware of most of these theories and I don't consider myself very educated about psychology in general. Radiolab and a few readings of Scientific American Minds provided me we much more. But probably a good introduction for anyone without a scientific culture. I'd recommend it to people who might be skeptical of science as it makes a good point for evolution.

I am a huge fan of "The Great Courses"! I have 8 under my belt and this one is by far, the best one I've come across!! For a lecture series, it had me rewinding and listening to multiple lectures,multiple times. A few lectures even had my jaw on the floor in amazement! (Check out Ch. 18!) If you're unsure of getting into TGC, I would highly recommend this being your first course!!

A very informative lecture covering a wide variety of the humans spectrum of behavior.

I often wonder what may happen as we enter the realm of neuroscience and uncover the map of the mind. These topics that were discussed related to behavior may evolve due to our level of understanding as quantum theory applies.

Where does Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I am a big fan of The Great Courses; this is one of the best I have listened to with regard to personal enjoyment and understanding.

What other book might you compare Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior to, and why?

Irrationality, Sutherland, Stuart

What does Professor Mark Leary bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

A thorough coverage of the subject of the mysteries of human behaviour.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Intellectually stimulating.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

J C Perrett

9/22/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Outstanding, concise information"

This was a very concise description of many aspects of human psychology. Unlike many books on the subject it cuts to the char very quickly. Highly recommended.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Johnny

Dublin

10/3/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Good start"

This gives a good over view of behaviour letting the reader decide areas of interest it's well delivered and well researched, I recommend it for the start of an interest in people

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

karenfitzy

5/16/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"It's an interesting listen. Made me think."

Makes you think outside your own wee world.Doesn't preech but offers theories. Like the may it was presented. Thank you

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sandie

2/3/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Engaging, relevant and can't put down!"

This is such a great collection of social psychology topics which is both informative and interesting. I love the way that Mark Leary instantly engages you with a relevant question of life, which makes you want to learn more. The topics are easy to grasp and a brilliant introduction to wet your appetite to ibis more about social psychology. Loved it!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Femke

Arnhem, Netherlands

1/12/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Suggests paranormal phenomena might be real...."

This lecture series seemed worthwhile and interesting until lecture 16 where the professor covers the topic of parapsychology (e.g. mind-reading, clairvoyance). In this lecture he repeatedly says that scientific evidence suggests that paranormal phenomena might be genuine and that 'more research is needed'.

I am shocked that this lecture series has been included in the Great Courses. It has really tarnished the brand for me. I now no longer believe that the lecture series in the Great Courses offer high quality, reliable and valid content.

"More research is needed to establish whether paranormal phenomena are real or not" - really???!!!

8 of 20 people found this review helpful

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